Analysis of The Essay of Dramatic Poesy part 20

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After giving the qualities of Beaumont and Fletcher, Neander gives his views on Ben Johnson. According to him, Johnson is the most learned and judicious writer. He could judge the work of others and also his own. He is particularly known for his comedy of humours. Neander says that Ben Johnson was better then Shakespeare as a writer but he lacked his wit. Neander considers Shakespeare as Homer (father of our dramatic poets) while Johnson as Virgil (the patron of elaborate writing). After this, he speaks about ‘Silent Women’ in order to vindicate the English plays.

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